There is nothing that improves confidence more than beating a bitter rival.
And in desperate need of a confidence-builder, that’s just what the North Carolina volleyball team did on Friday.
After a disappointing start to the season, UNC defeated Duke in convincing fashion Friday, taking the contest 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-15) at Carmichael Arena.
In a back-and-forth opening set, the Tar Heels (5-7, 2-1 ACC) rallied late to claim an early edge. And after a similarly contentious second set, three Duke errors helped UNC pull away late.
But in the third set, North Carolina asserted its dominance. UNC outhit the Blue Devils .419 to .167 and never trailed, pushing its lead to 10 when Tatiana Durr drilled a set-clinching service ace to put Duke (6-7, 1-2 ACC) away.
Sagula said the match was critical for the Tar Heels' confidence after a road loss to Pittsburgh this past Sunday — UNC's first ACC loss in over a year. He also attributed the team's impressive energy to playing at home in front of ESPN cameras and a rowdy crowd.
No player channeled that energy more than senior Paige Neuenfeldt, who converted 11 kills on 13 attempts and added four blocks. And when UNC needed her most, Neuenfeldt stepped up, producing three critical kills to close out the first set.
But Neuenfeldt was quick to credit her teammates for the team's success.
“I really think everyone is contributing and they’re finding their niche,” she said. “People are getting better at learning their roles and we’re doing it well now.”
